Nikon unveils its ultimate imaging machine, the D4S which offers a new level of performance and surpasses the limits of its popular predecessor, in terms of high-speed professional image making.
It is equipped with a redesigned 16.2-megapixel FX sensor and the Expeed 4 image processor. It has a burst rate of 11 frames per second at full resolution, and is protected by “a tough weather-sealed full metal body.”
The D4S delivers outstanding imaging results mainly because of its improved image sensor and new EXPEED 4 image processing engine which boosts the camera’s overall performance to a whole new level.
The most important improvement incorporated in this camera is the expanded ISO range of 100–25600, which can be further extended up to an industry-leading 409600 (ISO equivalent), allowing sports and news photographers to capture images with outstanding quality, low noise and accurate tonal gradation in any given low lighting conditions.
The new D4S also features a brand new Group Area AF mode, which provides for a much finer control over the size of the autofocus area. The Group Area AF constantly monitors five different AF fields and these can be shifted across the 51-point array as composition demands.
Shooting in this mode enables fast moving subjects to be tracked with phenomenal precision over long distances, and greatly improves acquisition and background isolation when shooting subjects that are comparatively small and close to a high-contrast or distracting background.
Also, the AF system inside the D4S is configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings and sensitive down to -2 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F).
As to its video recording capability, the D4S features broadcast-quality video in multiple frame formats, which also features a variety of operational enhancements that allows more control over footage while filming and improve sound recording.
In Multi-area D-Movie mode, this camera can capture Full HD (1080p) movies in FX- and DX-format at 60p/50p/30p/ 25p/24p frame rates. It also offers three sensor crop formats FX, DX and native crop (approximately 2.7 xs) and clean HDMI-out.
This camera can also access the ISO range from ISO 200 up and control shutter speed, aperture and audio levels while filming. Nikon’s 3D noise reduction reduces random noise, and the camera offers sophisticated options for audio control.
This camera has also been fitted with a new shutter and mirror mechanism that reduces mirror bounce to deliver “a stable viewfinder image with minimal viewfinder blackout when shooting at high speed.
Hiro Sebata, Professional Product Manager at Nikon UK, comments: “Nikon engineers have taken on board valuable feedback from professional users in order to implement a wealth of improvements that will make all the difference to professionals working in the intensely competitive fields of sports, press, and nature photography. Equipped to power ahead in the most challenging environments, the D4S ensures serious photographers stay ahead of the game.”
